Augustana Public Relations Team Wins ‘Classics Award’

Augustana was recognized for best planning in a campaign for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. It was the second time in three years the Augustana chapter has won the award. Members of the Augustana team are Brian Boyenga (Ellsworth, MN), Andrew Brynjulson (Sioux Falls), Scott Hale (Omaha, NE), Marit Karbowski (Shoreview, MN), Joy Lussenden (Redwood Falls, MN), Ashley Nissen (New Brighton, MN), Andrew Osborn (Omaha, NE), and Kristen Pittenger (Brandon, SD).

In the summer of 2008, Augustana’s PRSSA chapter was contacted by Special Olympics of South Dakota’s special events coordinator to develop a professional public relations campaign for the organization’s annual Polar Plunge fundraiser. Proceeds go to funding Special Olympics South Dakota’s annually scheduled programs and activities for Special Olympic athletes. This year’s plunge is scheduled for April 18. Augustana students planned the campaign, designed a brochure, and continue to publicize the event.

For the second straight year, Karbowski, a senior, received a $500 Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship in recognition of excellence in the study of public relations and communication. Karbowski (shown right) is majoring in Spanish and Communication/Business. She is the daughter of Virginia and Stan Karbowski.

The Classics Awards honor public relations excellence in campaigns and tactics that address communication challenges with exemplary skill, creativity, and resourcefulness. As part of this awards ceremony, MPRSA recognizes the best in student public relations among schools in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska.

MPRSA is the ninth-largest chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the world’s leading organization for public relations professionals with more than 20,000 members worldwide.